According to Jain scriptures, Bhagwan Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara, experienced a significant event involving a snake bite during his period of deep meditation (sadhana).

The story is as follows:

While Bhagwan Mahavir was engaged in intense meditation (dhyan) and practicing severe penance (tapasya) in a forest, a poisonous snake named Chandkaushik came across him. The snake, feeling disturbed or threatened by Mahavir’s presence, bit him on the toe. Despite the venomous bite, Mahavir Swami remained completely calm and undisturbed, continuing his meditation with equanimity (samata bhav).

Instead of reacting with fear or anger, Mahavir Swami radiated compassion and forgiveness towards the snake. It is said that due to his purity and the power of his meditation, the snake’s anger subsided and it eventually attained peace of mind. In some accounts, it is also mentioned that the poison had no effect on Mahavir because of his spiritual power and his practice of ahimsa (non-violence) and aparigraha (non-attachment).

This incident is highlighted in Jain literature as a profound example of absolute non-violence (ahimsa), forgiveness (kshama), and self-control (samyam). It also teaches that true spiritual strength lies in responding to harm with compassion and equanimity.

This story is found in various Jain texts, including the Kalpa Sutra and the Uttaradhyayana Sutra.